October 7, 2017

A Decade of Elegance

The West Coast’s most glamorous transgender event is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

The River City Gems welcome the whole transgender community, including family, friends, and allies, to put on your finest attire and party the night away at our 10th anniversary bash. Whether this is your first River City Sparkle or your tenth, you won't want to miss this year's gala event.

DIAMONDS & LACE

Wear it your way...like the beautiful Gem you are.

The theme of River City Sparkle 2017 is “True to Form," a tribute to classic style and timeless elegance. Our Sparkle ballroom will be lavishly decorated with this year's signature style elements, diamonds and lace.

Lace dresses are oh so on-trend, and diamonds never go out of style. What could be more romantic and feminine? Whether you wear a prom dress, an evening gown, a cute cocktail style or a classic LBD, this is your night to shine!

Cocktail Hour

Mix, mingle, sip a cocktail or two, and take some selfies with your friends in our ultra-glam Hollywood-style photoshoot area.

We're rolling out the red carpet for you at our new venue.

BOOKING A ROOM: You can book a single or double room by calling (877) 227-6963. Mention River City Gems when you make your reservation to receive a special room rate of $109. The booking deadline for the special rate is September 16.

Crowne Plaza Floor Plan

Natasha Muse

"I was a boy...but then I got better."

San Francisco comedian, mom, transsexual and firm agnostic Natasha Muse will delight Sparkle guests with comedy so good, it's not even funny.

Named one of SF Weekly’s “Artists to Watch" in 2016, Natasha features regularly at the SF Punchline and Cobb’s Comedy Club, and has worked with such comedy luminaries as Maria Bamford, Roseanne Barr, Janeane Garofalo, Wyatt Cenac, and God.

Opening for Natasha is Oakland-based comedian and self-titled professional smartass, Dominique "Dom" Gelin.

Pre-Sparkle Dinner

Step out with the Gems on Friday Night.

Interested in getting a jump on your Sparkle weekend? Join us Friday night, October 6, for a pre-Sparkle tradition!

Gems members Cindy and Pauline will be hosting a group for dinner and drinks at a local restaurant. This event is open to all, including those not attending Sparkle. There are no fees to attend, so you can spend as much or as little as you please.

While Sparkle is a more formal event, attire for the Pre-Sparkle dinner can range from "office dressy" to "casual Friday."

Love Notes

“I was apprehensive at first, but all that soon faded away. Everyone I met was nothing short of amazingly cordial, friendly, and supportive. As a new girl that was huge to me, and I will never forget it.”

“How joyous it was to see so many, and such a variety of people and ages, styles, fashions, and more, all united under the shared banners of openness, freedom, and love. All events through the Gems are rewarding, but this one topped them all !"

“A very fun evening! The food was really good and the entertainment was tops! It was fun for me to meet so many new people. I really enjoyed meeting some girls that I have only known online.”

Tickets

The advance purchase deadline was October 4 at noon. This event is sold out, and no more tickets are available.

The ticket purchase deadline has passed.

There will be no tickets available at the door. If you were unable to purchase a ticket prior to the deadline, we are sorry, but we cannot accommodate any walk-in guests. We hope to see you at a future Sparkle.

Questions & Answers

Makeup Services

Christine Cross - Christine has been doing male-to-female makeovers in the Sacramento area for many years. She offers makeup services at her private studio. Call Christine at 916-769-0657 to make an appointment.

Julia Richardson - Julia has done makeup for television personalities, commercial photo shoots, weddings and many male-to-female clients. She offers makeup services at her private studio. Call Julia at 916-925-7434, or email her at julia@californiamakeup.com.

Patti Lange - Patti gave a few Gems the perfect look for Sparkle last year and will be offering her makeover services again this year. Give Patti a call to make an appointment. Her number is 916-716-2441.

April Horlick - April is a freelance makeup artist with experience in theater and transgender makeup. Her philosophy is that makeup doesn't define who we are but shapes the perspective of how others define us. Her studio is minutes from the hotel. You can contact April at 530-308-2419 or via email, adh1836@yahoo.com.

If you don't require a private setting, you can also arrange for a makeover at one of these retailers recommended by Gems members.

Total Beauty Experience, 2929 Arden Way, (916) 481-7994

MAC in the Arden Fair Mall, (916) 921-2812

Ulta in the Arden Fair Mall, (916) 929-2912

Sephora in the Arden Fair Mall, (916) 649-1010

What should I wear?

There is no dress code, but most guests will choose to wear semi-formal or formal attire. For ladies, this could mean a prom dress, ball gown, cocktail dress, LBD (Little Black Dress), or dressy skirt and top. For gentlemen, consider wearing a dress shirt and slacks, and optionally a jacket and tie. Dressing to match the theme is not necessary; many attendees choose to, but just as many do not. Wear what makes you feel your best!

We are not able to provide on-site changing facilities. If you will need to change, we recommend reserving a room at the hotel, or making arrangements with a friend who has a room. The Gems Yahoo Group is a good place to connect with other attendees who are looking to share.

How will my tickets be delivered to me?

If you have purchased tickets in advance, they will be held for you at the door on the night of the event. The deadline for advance ticket purchases is Tuesday, October 4. After that date, you may still purchase tickets at the door for $70 each, while they last.

Are there any other events scheduled for the weekend?

As in previous years, there will be a Pre-Sparkle dinner on Friday night, October 6, at a Sacramento restaurant. To RSVP for the dinner, please use this RSVP form. You are also invited to join us for a post-Sparkle breakfast on Sunday morning at the Arbor Grille inside the Crowne Plaza Hotel. No RSVP is required for breakfast and you can drop in any time between 8am-11am.

I'd like to become a member of the River City Gems. How do I join?

Prorated partial-year membership dues (through February 2018) are currently $30 for an individual or $45 for a couple. To join online or by mail, please visit our membership page.

Is the Crowne Plaza Hotel trans friendly?

Yes! The River City Gems hold other events at the Crowne Plaza, including our monthly Femme Friday gathering. You can expect the staff to treat you with courtesy and respect.

Is seating assigned, or can I choose where I want to sit?

There is no assigned seating. However, you may request to be seated with a specific group if they have reserved a table at the event. If you are attending with a group, please fill in the "Name of Group" box during online ticket purchase, or make a note on your mail-in order form. You can also contact us to request seating with your group. A minimum of 8 guests is required to reserve a table.

Is River City Sparkle an appropriate event for spouses and family members?

Absolutely! Each year, about a third of Sparkle attendees are spouses, partners, family members, friends, and allies. This is a party that everyone can enjoy. If you've been looking for an opportunity to introduce the important people in your life to the transgender community, River City Sparkle is the ideal event for you.

I am an admirer. Can I attend?

You are welcome to attend with your transgender partner as her date, as long as you respect our code of conduct. However, this is not an event for those looking to meet or date transgender women.

What if I buy my ticket but can't attend? Will I get a refund?

We're sorry, but all tickets are non-refundable. However, you may sell or donate your ticket to a friend who can come in your place instead. Just send us a message and let us know that you wish to transfer your ticket.